Bard Arcane Foci

[Mocpages]

Ok, so, unless I'm reading something wrong:

-Bards can only use musical instruments as foci, not gems, wands, or staves like most casters.

-Musical instruments are almost invariably two handed.

So unless I'm totally wrong, do bards need to use both hands for their foci?
Unless you get really silly with a whistle or something and they need no hands.

[Dudewithknives]

Ok, so, unless I'm reading something wrong:

-Bards can only use musical instruments as foci, not gems, wands, or staves like most casters.

-Musical instruments are almost invariably two handed.

So unless I'm totally wrong, do bards need to use both hands for their foci?
Unless you get really silly with a whistle or something and they need no hands.

If it is not listed under tools as an instrument it would not matter anyway.

Drums can be played one handed, I am sure a few other can.

[RSP]

You don't need to play the instrument, just hold it, same as any other Focus.

[Keltest]

Bards are kind of weird. I don't think theres anything in the rules that explicitly says that a bard must play their instrument to use it as a spellcasting focus, and most of the other foci don't need to be "used" in any particular manner to make them operate as a focus, so I don't think you need both hands for your focus.

having said that, sheathing your weapon to use your lute or whatever to cast a spell, then drawing it again next round when you attack is perfectly allowed by the rules, as long as you don't try to pick something else up during one of the rounds.